TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – VISIT FLORIDA, the state's official tourism marketing corporation, has acquired Florida Huddle, the longest running travel trade show in Florida.

The event, which has been operating for 37 years, brings suppliers from around the state to meet directly with domestic and international travel media and buyers of travel.

“Relationship-building events that allow buyers and suppliers to have pre-arranged face-to-face appointments are a vital component of the Florida tourism industry's marketing efforts,” said Will Seccombe, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA. “The acquisition of Huddle provides a great opportunity for VISIT FLORIDA to add value for our Partners and offer first-hand information to travel trade professionals from around the globe.”

VISIT FLORIDA will retain the services of one of the event's former owners through 2014 to ensure a smooth transition. 

“I have every confidence that Huddle will become even better under VISIT FLORIDA's operational control,” said Christy Myers, former Vice President of Huddle International.  “With their branding strength as the trusted source for all things Florida, I cannot imagine an organization better suited to take the reins.”

International travel to Florida has been growing steadily and is a major focus of VISIT FLORIDA's marketing efforts.  In 2012, Florida welcomed more than 13.8 million international visitors who spent almost $15 billion.  Overseas travel to Florida increased 30 percent over 2011 levels.  Canadian visitation to Florida in 2012 increased 6 percent.

In just the first quarter of 2013, an estimated 4.1 million international travelers visited Florida, an increase of 9 percent over the first quarter in 2012. Visitation from South America led the increase, up 25 percent over the same period last year. Canadian visitation, the largest portion of international travel to Florida, was up 4 percent.

“By providing expanded branding opportunities and leveraging our international in-country teams' travel trade relationships, we expect to attract new and returning attendees that will allow us to take Huddle to a whole new level,” said Eileen Forrow, VISIT FLORIDA's Vice President of Marketing and Events.

MEDIA CONTACT: Laura Cassels, lcassels@VISITFLORIDA.org, (850) 363-5801, will be at Pow Wow Media Marketplace, VISIT FLORIDA table.